Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
God does not forget his promises. It is two hundred years from the time of Joseph and all may have seemed loss for Israel. But the Lord appears to Moses stressing he is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. According to his wise timing he is now fulfilling his commitments to them, just as he will do for his promises in Christ when the time comes for his return. It is in this context that God reveals his personal name to be "I AM" (Hebrew "YAHWEH" translated "THE LORD" with capitals). It highlights that he is the true God as opposed to the false gods of Egypt - self-sufficient, unchanging, and so forever as he will be seen to be. It is his power and sufficiency to fulfil his promises that he first reveals. Moses' staff is to signify these things in the performance of wonders to convince the people of Israel and to compel Pharoah to let them go. In the light of this Moses' reticence displays a lack of faith, which is why it provokes the LORD. Nevertheless, in grace he is prepared to accommodate Moses. The strange event in which God then almost kills Moses is probably to highlight his holiness. If Moses is to walk closely with God he must obey him in every respect, just as Israel must learn to do. As you read note what else is learnt about the LORD.
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.